This blog is intended to do "exactly what it says on the tin" so below are some of my 'Thoughts on Music'. They predominantly concern recent matters but will not always do so. I'll also happily turn to matters of the music industry more generally if and when I feel so inclined. So there!
If you don't agree with something please feel free to add a comment. They are moderated by me (so I'll get to read it) and I might even reply. Above all however just enjoy whatever music you like!
Richard

Friday, June 24, 2011

I'll start with three - and all of them by artists appearing at EOTR 2011 - so the possibility of hearing at leasts parts of them played live sooner rather than later is very real and all are also by artists that I have previously seen live at least once, which adds weight to my comment in the previous post.Lanterns On The Lake - Gracious Tide, Take Me HomeThis, the début album, is released by Bella Union Records on September 19, 2011.

The album track 'You're Almost There' is available as a free download. The three self-released CD EPs are all sold out now but you can purchase them as downloads from the band's website. At least some of the songs will no doubt appear on the album in some form too. As well as Truck Festival and EOTR 2011 the band is playing at Deershed 2011 [pre-booked tickets only - there are none available on the day this year] and, if you fancy a visit to the UK's highest pub and regular live music venue, LOTL is hosting a night with special guests at Tan Hill Inn on August 27 - £10 with camping included and no grumpy neighbours except sheep, one or two of which you might well find in the bar and likely in front of the fire (vying for prime space with the cats and dogs), and nothing else other than native wildlife and your fellow campers to disturb!The band also played at EOTR 2010 - subject to a minor misfortune and ultimately a major victory.Laura Marling - A Creature I Don't KnowSeptember 12, 2011 is the release date for this, her third LP.

There is to be a limited version that will include 12" LP, CD and other goodies. You have been warned. I can't wait to hear this live. This is the track list:

The Muse

I Was Just A Card

Don't Ask Me Why

Salinas

The Beast

Night After Night

My Friends

Rest In The Bed

Sophia

All My Rage

Beth Jeans Houghton - [title as yet unknown to me]An album some time in the making. Dodecahedron is promising and again another dab hand (and band) when it comes to live performance.I'll add this one too, although it is an album already released, while I'm working in the genre of folk-influenced music. Much is written about regional folk music within the UK and Ireland but, in my recall at least, little of it specifically concerns that of Devon. I came across this and have now ordered it unheard, which is something that I like doing as you may well know.

The artists involved suggest goodness. Jim Causley is prime mover here but it also includes others unlikely to risk their well earned reputations on a dubious project. It was released by Wild Goose Records in March of this year.